Data from phase II clinical trial patients revealed a noteworthy decrease in methane production over time with no adverse effects, in addition to improvement in severity level — measured by the symptoms of abdominal pain, bloating, stool frequency and quality-of-life assessment scores — and unassisted bowel movements.

The second Phase II study ran for eight weeks in multiple U.S. facilities, with the top priority of assessing the effect of one daily 42-milligram dose of SYN-10 on breath methane-positive patients with IBS-C. Additional goals included reducing abdominal pain and bloating, as well as improving stool frequency and life quality.

"Current IBS-C treatments are focused on relieving symptoms," Pimentel said. "These latest SYN-010 findings, along with previously reported top-line data, strongly suggest a potential role for SYN-010 in treating a major underlying cause of IBS-C by reducing the production of methane in the gut, versus relieving symptoms."

Synthetic Biologics' principal executive offices are located in Rockville, Maryland, with finance and administrative offices in Ann Arbor, Michigan.